A Barefoot Elopement Ceremony and Canoe Adventure in Acadia

Sometimes all you really need is each other when you elope. Jessie and Roel kept things simple during their barefoot elopement ceremony where they exchanged vows, enjoys the view, and then later rented a canoe to end their adventure. Get all the details from their day.

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About This Barefoot Elopement Ceremony in Acadia

“Jessi and Roel started their elopement day before the sun woke up.

We met at the parking lot of the trailhead, met for the first time, got our things ready, and then started up the trail with two lamps and a headlight. We stopped once we got to an opening at the end of the trail near the summit to soak in the last few moments before the sun started to rise and before their ceremony.

Jessi & Roel found a spot on the summit that spoke to them and then gathered their rings and vows books. They also quickly took off their shoes so they could feel the earth beneath their feet during their ceremony. They shared heartfelt vows with each other that induced a few happy tears, exchanged wedding bands, and sealed their vows with a kiss and a ceremonious high-five and a “we did it!”

They then enjoyed coffee together and read hand written cards from their loved ones back home while enjoying the soft glow that enveloped the park. Once they had their fill of coffee, they quickly explored every square inch of the summit that they could. They were so excited to explore, I practically had to chase them to capture their adventuring on the summit.

Once we were done exploring, we packed up our things and headed back down the trail to the next adventure– canoeing! They rented a canoe at a local lake near the park, Jessi had her “Titanic” moment as Roel wheeled the canoe towards the lake, and they enjoyed some time on the water in the sun.” [Jenna, the photographer]

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Details From This Elopement

“Jessi and Roel wanted to focus on how they felt on their day and not so much on the details, so they only included a few physical details. However, the details they did have were amazing! Details that I loved from Jessi & Roels day were the lanterns they used to guide the way up the mountain and to dimly light their ceremony, their barefoot ceremony, their coffee picnic with red camp mugs, their handwritten letters from loved ones, and their canoe adventure on the lake.” [Jenna, the photographer]

Permits and LNT in Acadia

“Acadia does not require a permit for elopements for up to 10 people (this one had 3). This includes everyone involved (including the couple, guests, officiant, photography, etc.). Above 10 people requires a permit and there are limits on the number of people for certain locations. If a permit is needed, the paperwork can be found here and is $75. At this time, there is no additional permit needed for photography. For LNT we stayed on the marked trails and only explored on rugged/sturdy terrain (like gravel paths and granite rock at the top)! Me made sure not to trample vegetation, and carried out what we carried in.” [Jenna, the photographer]

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Top Tips For This Popular Ceremony Spot

• Go early in the morning (the earlier the better) or late in the day to avoid crowds. We had this ceremony spot all to ourselves for sunrise! If you hike up for sunrise, allow yourself plenty of time to hike up in the dark, and bring head lanterns to light the way!
• Middle-of-the-week elopement days in less busy months are the best for reducing crowds
• Allow yourself plenty of time to explore and relax– it’s a beautiful spot!
• Bring plenty of water and a little picnic! You’ll need a little re-fresh at the top at some point!

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

From the photographer:

• Hiking up with headlamps from the trailhead
• Seeing both of their faces as we got to the top and they got to see their ceremony spot for the first time covered in a veil of thin fog– they were so happy and excited
• When Jessi and Roel took off their shoes and socks before their ceremony so they could feel the cold earth beneath their feet
• The tears both of them shed when they shared heartfelt vows
• Their coffee picnic and handwritten letters from loved ones
• Their canoe adventure on a nearby lake and watching them get their canoe from the rental stand in their wedding attire

Final Words of Advice

“My biggest pieces of advice are to truly plan out a day that you want and don’t do what you think you “should” do based on what other people think. Allow yourself plenty of time to relax and explore– the last thing you want is to feel rushed on your wedding day! Do what makes you happy and work with your pros to figure out the details and you’ll have the best day ever!” [Jenna, the photographer]

Vendors 

Photography | Adventure and Vows
Dress | BHLDN
Canoe Rental | National Park Canoe & Kayak Rental 

Photos From This Elopement